I spent the past weekend driving around town with a friend who was looking to buy a dog. To find the perfect pup to adopt, my friend and I searched pet store after pet store and watched the puppies play and sleep. We adore little furballs and contemplate which one to adopt and call something cute, like Hershey, maybe.
As we sat over a cup of coffee after hours of tossing and turning, and still not sure which dogs to buy, we decided to jot down a few key considerations when searching for a suitable dog.
Buying a dog is a big step of responsibility. As these dogs are like children who need time, attention and care, it takes more than just providing food and shelter for our pets. But they are good companions, friends, and most of the time, their kind and easygoing way of being moves us to change to have a better perspective on life.
Also, adopting a dog in our care keeps us in touch with our loving nature and brings out the best nurturing instincts in us. With my friend’s decision to buy one, she weighed the pros and cons and mapped out the considerations for buying a dog and made sure she was ready for the responsibility.
In doing so, we weigh the following:
the type of dog
Since she lives alone in a house a few blocks from downtown, she wanted a guard dog that could help her sleep soundly at night knowing that she is somehow protected and I suggested a Labrador or German Shepherd. She replied that she was also considering a Dalmatian, Rottweiler, or Boerboel. She would have wanted a beagle or a Spitz, but she realized that what she was looking for most was a watchdog that commanded presence.
The Refuge and the Environment
Some dog breeds would require a specific environment, such as Shi Tzus, Poodles, and Saint Bernards, in which they would prefer indoors or cool places, respectively. Other breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Labradors would need open spaces nearby where they can stretch their legs, run around, and build some muscle. Larger dogs are designed to be constantly on the move and are encouraged to be trained to protect and rescue and will therefore require longer periods of exercise and walks.
Food
Did you know that most dogs don’t like beef because it’s more difficult to digest? Often, a continuous intake of beef can cause irritable bowel syndrome and upset stomach. One option would be canned dog foods that come in chicken, rice, and lamb that your pup would prefer. As these are loaded with bland meat and gravy, digestion would be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
However, over the years, I have found that feeding dogs dry food works best. But if your pups prefer a bit of meat, then a couple of tablespoons of canned dog food may do the trick.
The papers
When looking to buy a dog, it’s important to check the dog’s paperwork and medical history. Most puppies for sale and/or adoption have “puppy” books that record their medical history, including shots. The documents should contain details of the puppy, such as when exactly he was born, to monitor her growth and development, when vaccinations and medications (such as deworming) were given, vitamins, and the name and breed of both parents.
The type of breed one would choose probably depends on factors such as the shelter we are able to provide, the food the dog eats, and of course the preferences of the owner. For a single mom like me, I considered the kind of dog that could protect my daughter and me at night and has enough energy to run around the yard or park with my little girl.
Of course, I also considered the budget I have to spend on monthly trips to the vet, the amount of food my dog needs, and the type of training I need to provide.
My friend decided to buy a chocolate brown lab puppy, which she eventually named Hershey.